Making Reading a Part of Children’s Lives

The Rochelle Lee Fund was founded in 1988 by a group of visionary parents and educators to commemorate the retirement of Rochelle Lee, an inspirational Chicago Public School (CPS) teacher and librarian.  A CPS educator for more than 21 years, Rochelle Lee is legendary for her ability to develop in children a love of books and a lifelong habit of insightful, frequent reading.  The founders of RLF saw the need and opportunity to extend Rochelle’s work to public school teachers and children throughout Chicago.

History

Future Plans

RLF has tremendous momentum as it implements a recently completed strategic plan.  RLF has affirmed its mission and core beliefs and has established an exciting new vision of its future — to build a formal, dynamic professional network that supports and inspires educators throughout their careers.  Through the power of this network, teachers will develop students who become lifelong readers, learners, and thinkers.  Some of our plans include: 

· Expanding professional development programs to engage a broader set of educators throughout their entire careers

· Increasing the emphasis on school-based and area-based teacher study groups that foster collaborative learning

· Providing additional opportunities for teacher leadership

· Integrating more sophisticated evaluation of RLF programs to ensure optimum results for children

Since its inception, RLF has offered a professional home and informal community for teachers seeking to improve their classroom practices.  Our new plans involve broadening, deepening, and formalizing this community of educators.  This collaborative network will directly address critical literacy needs in our urban schools.

“Reading helps kids find their own humanity.”

Rochelle Lee

© 2008 Rochelle Lee Fund